Maple Leafs nominate Ilya Samsonov for annual NHL award

It's been quite the turnaround for Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Ilya Samsonov, and he's being recognized for it. He's been named the nominee for the Bill Masteron Memorial Trophy for the Leafs by the Toronto chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association.  

The Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy is awarded annually "to the National Hockey League player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to ice hockey."

Samsonov did not have a good start to this season, and even found himself placed on waivers in December. But since then, he's rebounded as well as anyone could have asked him to, amassing an impressive record of 15-3-1 from January 21 to March 30. 

Right now, his overall record stands at 21-6-7 with a 3.06 goals against average and a pair of shutouts.

Last season, the award ultimately went to Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang, who returned to action after having suffered a second stroke. 

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